Image from CBC News
Hundreds of Londoners took part in the annual Take Back the Night march at Victoria Park, raising awareness and calling for an end to gender-based violence. Survivors shared their stories, and the crowd showed strong support.
The event came after a recent court ruling that cleared five former Hockey Canada players of sexual assault charges, and following hateful anti-women graffiti found on a north London overpass.
Survivor Ashley Senuita, who attended with her teenage son, stressed the importance of educating young men about consent and respect to prevent violence.
This was the first march since the pandemic, organized by local groups like the London Abused Women’s Centre and Western University. It also coincided with Ontario’s first Consent Awareness Week, aimed at promoting healthy relationships.
London’s mayor condemned the graffiti as hateful and said the city is committed to safety for everyone.
Some attendees, like Alex Cottrill, joined to learn how they can help create change in their communities.
The message was clear: ending gender-based violence takes all of us working together.
